The Great God values not the service of men if the heart be not in it: the Lord sees and judges the heart; he has no regard for outward forms of worship, if there be no inward adoration, if no devout affection be employed therein. It is therefore a matter of infinite importance, to have the whole heart engaged steadfastly for God.
~ Isaac Watts (1674-1748), Discourses on the Love of God
Hymnwriter extraordinaire and minister, who worked among the poor in London Docklands, Watts was the first to write songs to God, in common English and not confining his writing to versions of the psalms only. The greatness of his hymns we now take for granted, but at the time, they were condemned by most churchmen as wicked little 'ditties' unworthy of singing in church.
Plus ca change plus c'est la meme chose! {g}
(Pretentious? Moi?)
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4 comments:
"but at the time, they were condemned by most churchmen as wicked little 'ditties' unworthy of singing in church."
there are some churches where they still are!
Hmmm ... I think Caedmon got there first with hymns in English - by a mere 1000 years - though I will admit his tunes didn't last ;).
Yes, I should have said 'in the protestant/dissenting tradition'.
Yes, Watts was as extra-establishment as any Anabaptist.
Funny, Solomon said that French thing wayyy before the French did. (Eccl 1:9) ;~)
@Jackie--seems like they're wicked for being too complicated these days, eh? Try explaining "Not All the Blood of Bulls" to most modern congregations.
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